New York State Developmental Disabilities Planning Council (DDPC) awards $90,000

George E. Fertal, Sr., Chairperson, today announced that on September 18, 2008 the New York State Developmental Disabilities Planning Council (DDPC) awarded $90,000 to Best Buddies New York (BBNY) to expand a statewide friendship development initiative to rural and under-served regions of New York State.

The Best Buddies program has been working towards addressing the lack of socialization opportunities for youth with disabilities. Using DDPC funding it has developed a statewide technical assistance model that launched local chapters to foster friendship opportunities for youth with and without disabilities. Over 1,500 children with disabilities have been served in 27 communities throughout New York State. Over the next few years the program will be expanded to more fully address the needs of rural communities by extending the Best Buddies model to rural areas where there are currently limited opportunities for socialization among middle school aged youth with disabilities.

Kayle Jacoby, State Director for Best Buddies, said; "With over 30 successful chapters launched, Best Buddies Middle School Program is transforming classrooms and communities throughout New York. The Best Buddies social integration model brings students with intellectual disabilities and their typical peers together in one-to-one friendships. Supported by Best Buddies staff and the school's faculty these students begin a process of discovery. By sitting together at lunch, going to the movies after school and planning group activities for their chapter students are able to see past the label of "disabled" and learn they have more in common with their new friend than they could have imagined. Through field trips and social service project Best Buddies mission is made visible to the community. The young volunteers challenge their peers, families and community to enrich their lives by making inclusion a priority."

The DDPC is a federally funded state agency dedicated to designing and implementing new programs that serve New Yorkers with developmental disabilities and their families in the most effective way possible. Sixty percent of the Governor-appointed membership of the DDPC are parents and people with developmental disabilities. For more information on the DDPC, go to: www.ddpc.state.ny.us.